kidney stent

[Eccles]

On Friday I went into hospital for a biopsy and cystoscopy; the surgeon decided to put a stent in my kidney. My kidney stones are being broken up in three weeks time & he said the particles would block my ureter if he didn't put a stent in.

The pain is unbearable. All I was offered on the ward after the op was paracetamol & codeine (to which I had an allergic reaction). The nurses would not even let me take my usual painkillers for fibromyalgia.

Has anyone had this done please? How long did the pain last? Do you have any tips for coping with the stent? Does it hurt just as much when it is removed? Thanks

[zanne]

Hi,

I had a stent put in about a year and a half ago, at that particular time I was not yet diagnosed with IC. My ureter was blocked so they put in a stent which I had for 3 weeks and then it was removed. They gave me valium for the pain. I did alright after about the first 5 days but it is very painful, it seems every time you move you feel it, what you are feeling is the stent poking other organs of your body, it is a very flexible thin long piece. I hated that stent but I got through it. Removing it wasn't as bad as it might sound, they put a cathedar with a camera on it up through your urethra into the bladder and then they fill your bladder with water so they can see where the stent is and then they grab it and pull it out. I did request to have a valium before that procedure, but it was not bad at all, very fast.

If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.
Sue

[Eccles]

Thank you very much for answering my questions zanne, that's very kind. I'm glad you got through it OK. Poking through other organs is just what it feels like, very intrusive. The removal doesn't sound too bad; did you have any anaesthetic or just the valium please?

Did you have a lot of pain in the days afterwards please?

My GP has prescribed me Tramadol (don't know what that's called in the US) & it seems to be tasking the edge off the pain although I'm living in the toilet.

Thanks again, you're an :angel:

[zanne]

eccles,

I meant to say they gave me vicodin for the pain not valium, but I did take a valium before I got the stent out just to calm me. After the stent was removed I did feel a little pain but not like when the stent is in. I should tell you I had the stent in for 3 weeks and the first 2 weeks I couldn't work they had originally told me I could not lift anything over 10 pounds, I am a mail carrier so I was off work the first 2 weeks, then noone could work for me so I went to work for one week with the stent in, I just did my loads lighter so I could do it. I took one day off for the stent removal and then back to work the next day after. I was in a little pain after the removal but nothing like when the stent was in.

Don't worry too much about the removal, I know I fretted for three weeks about getting it taken out, I read horror stories about it and my dr was great and very gentle and it was a piece of cake. There was no anestia (sp) the only thing that kind of hurt and it didn't really hurt was when they first inserted the instrument but then after that I didn't feel anything. Everyone is different but I know you will be fine and it will be your happiest day ever when you get it removed. IF you feel more comfortable ask for something to calm you before the stent removal.

LEt me know if you need any moral support I know exactly what you are going through, I think I said about a million times a day, I hate this stent. Take care,
Sue

[Eccles]

Thank you so much Sue for giving me peace of mind. I can't imagine how you carried any mail at all with a stent in!

[Breezy1218]

I have never had a stent in but my sister has; and I hate to say it but her experience was miserable........THAT being said, when the nurse removed it she said, "hm, I don't think that was quite in the right place," so I am sure that's why she had so much pain with hers.

You could ask your doctor about B&O suppositories, they help with ureteral spasms, and often the pain comes from the ureter spasming due to the stent. Our patients that have stents use these at times (I am an RN on a general surgery/urology floor).

Hope you feel better soon.

[Eccles]

Thank you so much for the information Breezy. The stent is still giving me hell after a week & I can't seem to do anything in the day except force myself to have a bath (can't stand up long enough to shower). I'm clockwatching until it's time for the the next painkiller.

[Breezy1218]

Thank you so much for the information Breezy. The stent is still giving me hell after a week & I can't seem to do anything in the day except force myself to have a bath (can't stand up long enough to shower). I'm clockwatching until it's time for the the next painkiller.

It sounds like you need a stronger painkiller, at least. Plus a sedative like valium can work for spasms as well, if your doc is not keen on the B&O idea. If I were you, I would call and ask.....you have nothing to lose, if you are hurting that much already. :(

[Eccles]

Thank you once again for your kindness & expertise Breezy.

I don't think we have the same medications over here as you & I'm not sure what B&O suppositories are or if my uro will have heard of them. I'm on Tramadol in the daytime & Co-proximal at night (that's Tylenol/paracetamol & Dextroproproxyphene).

My frequency has increased dramatically & I can't wait, so I don't dare leave the house. I still don't have an appointment for the breaking up of the stones, so don't know why I had to have the ghastly stent in so early.